Posted on 12/04/2005 10:35:12 AM PST by wagglebee
Sen. John McCain said Sunday that the Bush administration did nothing wrong in the so-called "fake news" scandal, where the Pentagon paid Iraqi newspapers to carry reports that paint the U.S. liberation in a positive light - as long as the stories are true.
"If these are accurate stories written by legitimate people then I don't think there's anything wrong with that," McCain told NBC's "Meet the Press."
The Arizona Republican's answer clearly disappointed MTP moderator-turned-Leakgate prosecution witness Tim Russert, who asked incredulously: "But here we are trying to teach democracy and freedom of the press and the lack of state-sponsored censorship, if you will, and we're paying Iraqis to print articles?":
McCain shot back: "If these are accurate stories then we should make every effort to get them out. We are in a propaganda war. This is a war for the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people as well."
At that, an irked Russert interrupted: "But in principle you have no problem paying the Iraqis?"
McCain replied: "If that's the standard procedure in Iraq - if that's what you need to do to get a story in one of these newspapers . . . . then I'm not terribly offended by it."
Particularly when al-Jazeera seems to have a fantastic camera angle for virtually every IED/VBD explosion.
Even a blind hog finds an acorn once in a while. McLame found one this time.
Russert and Co. in the MSM conveniently and arrogantly interpret freedom of the press as freedom of the press to have a political bias. Freedom if it suits their agenda, self-censorship if it doesn't
Now if he could hold his own in the same way in interview with a Psychologist...
And exactly what were Mapes and Rather engaged in immediately before the 2004 Presidential election? REPORTING FAKE NEWS IN ORDER TO PUSH ELECTION RESULTS TO THEIR FAVORED JOHN EFFING KERRY.
>>>"A very good argument can be made that the press is in fact in collusion with each other to tell only the bad news about Iraq, the economy and the President. They systematically avoid telling the good news, especially about the economy."<<<
Exactly. The main-stream media has no problem with their own organizations printing lies, distortions, and half-truths about the war to undermine the Bush administration. But they do have a problem with someone undermining their propaganda campaign against the war by printing the truth.
>>>"So the real question isn't about the merits of a free press, the argument is whether or not a free press actually exists or functions."<<<
Change the rules. Make the definition of a free press a press that prints the truth, only. Make it a crime for the press to intentionally spread lies and deception. Start a new slogan:
"Freedom comes with a price: THE TRUTH!"
It is past time to clean out the Marxist trash in the media, a grave threat to our freedom.
To err is human, to work the public for political gain is deceitful.
Format and put in chronological order McCain's political record mindfully and see if error is a concerning factor.
You mean six figures EVERY WEEK right?
course, Russert isn't paid directly by the government.
So that makes it Waaaaaaaaaay different.
A broken clock is right twice a day. I really don't need a shitbird like McCain to tell me what is right or not! What the hell is it with all the McCain crap today?
If I remember correctly, even Bush Administration officials acknowledge that some things did not go as expected following the stupendous success of the military in defeating Saddam's minions. Mistakes are always committed in conflict. Nothing new there. What's your complaint again?
If Tim Russert is trying to say teach freedom of the press and all that why don't the msm start here????
Freudian slip there, McKeating...er, McCain?
It's not just Jazzy news - al Reuters and AP have some 'splainin to do as well.
Russert seemed to have no problem testifying before the Grand Jury and continuing to host the topic. Apparently he was one source used to implicate Libby, he said/she said scenario yet he tried and convicted Libby gleefully on his show.
Is that ethical Timmy?
Is it ethical for the you and your buddies in the press to receive faxes from the DNC?
Is it ethical to lie and distort or even hide news to ensure the Bush administration is treated in worst light?
Was it ethical to collaborate with the DNC in the "Fortunate Son" campaign that was ended abruptly because Rathergate was uncovered that opening night?
The difference between you, your buddies vs. Our military is that they were telling the Truth. Truth meant to overcome the propaganda of terrorists that control most of their media.
That's another reason why you hate them Timmy. You, and Shep (yes I saw Shep's meltdown on this topic the other day, as well his meltdown Murtha was called to the carpet for what he said about our troops) and all the rest. because you despise anyone printing the accurate good news. You resent not being the sole source for news. You resent not controlling the cycle completely anymore. So much so you'll identify with protecting the terrorist's news monopoly rather then see it become a) competitive b) irrelevant.
BTW, McCain better be careful. Saying things like that is going to put him on the his sponser's (MSM) naughty list. It's the truth, nevertheless, they only give a damn about him because he throws wrenches to conservatives and will be critical of Republicans more often than not. I'm sure he made up for it in some small measure elsewhere in the program.
Fox News has NOTHING but stupd liberals as hosts AND guests anymore...t's UNWATCHABLE!!
The MSM trying to preach ethics is like a socialist trying to preach individualism.
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